Posted by Ken Kurtis on March 05, 2004 at 10:38:04:
Ian Taniguchi at DF&G asked me to pass this along. They're trying to keep track of any ab sightings (and would love pictures as well). So if you spot any, make notes, and contact Ian.
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, CA
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You can go ahead and let people know what that they can contact me by email (ITaniguichi@dfg.ca.gov). Specifically this is what we are
looking for:
1) abalone species seen
2) number of abalone seen on a dive or a series of dives in one area
3) approximate sizes of abalone (in inches)
4) location, preferably GPS coordinates, and depth
That is the basic information that we need. Some additional
information which would be more helpful are as follows:
1) Groups or aggregations of abalone. The definition of an aggregation is 2 or more abalone of the same species that are within 1 meter of each other. This information will help us identify areas where potentially reproductively viable populations occur.
2) Pictures of abalone. Pictures are always useful in positively
identifying species.
3) We are particularly interested of sightings of green, pink, white
and black abalone, since they are rare. We are also interested in red
abalone sightings at Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands, and along the mainland coast.
If you could advertise this information it would be truly helpful to
us. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you very much,
Ian Taniguchi
Associate Marine Biologist
CDFG-MR
Los Alamitos